Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo

I’ve always loved the comforting flavors of a classic chicken pot pie, but I wanted to create something a little quicker and easier without losing any of that creamy, savory goodness. That’s how my Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo recipe was born. It combines tender chicken, vegetables, and a luscious creamy sauce with tiny orzo pasta, making it the perfect dish when you want all the warmth of pot pie in a simple, satisfying bowl.

You will love this recipe because it’s incredibly versatile. Whether you want a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy meal to impress guests, this dish fits the bill. It’s affordable to make, too, using common ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. Plus, the orzo gives it a lovely texture that feels like a fresh twist on a traditional favorite.

This recipe is also perfect for anyone who enjoys a meal that’s both hearty and easy to customize. You can swap in different vegetables or use turkey bacon instead of chicken ham for a smoky flavor. It’s flexible enough to please a crowd or to meal prep for the week ahead.

Ingredients for Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo:

• 1 cup orzo pasta

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed

• 1/2 cup turkey bacon, chopped

• 1/2 cup chicken ham, diced

• 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn)

• 3 tablespoons butter

• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 2 cups chicken broth (low sodium)

• 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)

Preparing this Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo is straightforward and perfect for any skill level. It’s a quick and easy recipe that comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying without the fuss. Follow these step-by-step instructions carefully to achieve a rich, creamy texture with tender chicken and perfectly cooked orzo.

How to Prepare Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo

1. Cook the orzo: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orzo pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Cook turkey bacon and chicken ham: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the chopped turkey bacon and diced chicken ham. Cook until the turkey bacon is crisp and the chicken ham is slightly browned, about 5 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

3. Make the roux: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour to form a smooth paste. Cook this mixture for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly, to remove the raw flour taste and develop a light golden color.

4. Add liquids: Gradually pour in the chicken broth while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Then add the milk slowly, continuing to whisk until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth and creamy, about 5 minutes.

5. Season the sauce: Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. The sauce should be flavorful and well-balanced.

6. Add vegetables and proteins: Stir in the mixed vegetables, cooked turkey bacon, chicken ham, and shredded chicken. Let the mixture simmer for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender and everything is heated through.

7. Combine with orzo: Add the cooked orzo pasta into the creamy mixture. Stir well to coat the orzo evenly with the sauce.

8. Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot for a comforting meal.

Why This Recipe Works So Well

This recipe is quick and easy, thanks to the use of orzo pasta which cooks faster than regular pasta shapes. The roux-based creamy sauce thickens perfectly, binding all the ingredients together in a rich, luscious way. Plus, the turkey bacon and chicken ham add a smoky depth of flavor that elevates the dish without overwhelming it.

You can customize this recipe easily. Swap in your favorite vegetables like green beans or mushrooms, or replace the milk with a dairy-free alternative to suit dietary needs. This dish is popular with many people because it combines familiar comfort food flavors with a new twist, making it a hit for both kids and adults alike.

Whether you’re cooking for your family or prepping meals for the week, Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo is a versatile, satisfying recipe that will become a staple in your kitchen.

Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo

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Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo is a comforting, easy-to-make dish combining tender chicken, savory turkey bacon, chicken ham, and mixed vegetables in a rich, creamy sauce. This recipe replaces traditional pie crust with orzo pasta for a quicker, lighter version that still delivers all the classic flavors of chicken pot pie in every bite.

• Author: Lura Skye
• Prep Time: 10
• Cook Time: 20
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Ingredients

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• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
• 1/2 cup turkey bacon, chopped
• 1/2 cup chicken ham, diced
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn)
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups chicken broth (low sodium)
• 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

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Instructions

1. Cook orzo in salted boiling water until al dente (8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
2. In a skillet, cook turkey bacon and chicken ham over medium heat until turkey bacon is crisp and ham is browned (about 5 minutes). Remove and set aside.
3. Melt butter in the skillet. Whisk in flour to create a roux. Cook for 2 minutes until golden.
4. Slowly whisk in chicken broth and milk. Cook until sauce thickens (about 5 minutes).
5. Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well and adjust seasoning.
6. Stir in mixed vegetables, turkey bacon, chicken ham, and shredded chicken. Simmer 3-4 minutes until heated through and vegetables are tender.
7. Add cooked orzo and stir until fully combined and coated with sauce.
8. Garnish with parsley if desired. Serve warm.

Notes

For a dairy-free version, substitute milk and butter with plant-based alternatives.

You can swap vegetables depending on preference or availability.

Adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary enhances flavor.

Adjust seasoning to taste.

FAQs

Q: Can I use fresh chicken instead of cooked chicken?
A: Yes, you can. Just cook the chicken thoroughly before adding it to the sauce. Shredding or dicing cooked chicken works best for even distribution.

Q: Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
A: Absolutely. Substitute the milk with almond milk or oat milk, and use a dairy-free butter alternative to keep it creamy.

Q: Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make it a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of broth or milk to loosen the sauce if needed.

Q: What can I substitute for turkey bacon and chicken ham?
A: You can use regular cooked chicken or even omit these for a vegetarian version, adding extra vegetables instead.

Q: Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
A: It is! Freeze portions in airtight containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Q: Can I add other spices or herbs?
A: Definitely. Thyme, rosemary, or parsley work great to boost flavor and complement the creamy sauce.